What if the “sad kid” in school wasn’t just sensitive — but struggling with depression?

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Sally looks back at her childhood and teenage years and recognizes signs of depression that were misunderstood or overlooked. Excessive sleeping. Dark poetry. Persistent sadness. Thoughts about suicide. A lonely letter written at age ten.

At the time, mental health education was limited. Her teacher raised concerns. Her parents didn’t know what to do. Therapy wasn’t discussed. Medication wasn’t considered.

Now, nearly 70, Sally shares her story not with blame — but with purpose.

She wants today’s parents, teachers, mentors, and caregivers to recognize the early signs of childhood depression and to know that help is available. Through diagnosis, medication, therapy, and self-awareness, Sally built a successful career and meaningful life — while still managing depression honestly.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Is this normal teen behavior?”
• “Are these warning signs?”
• “How do I help a child who won’t talk?”

This episode offers clarity, compassion, and a call to action.

Depression in children is real. It’s treatable. And early intervention can change — and save — lives.

Primary Topics Covered: 

• Early signs of childhood depression (sleeping excessively, isolation, persistent sadness)
• The difference between “moody teen” and clinical depression
• Writing dark poetry and suicidal ideation as warning signals
• The impact of grief and unprocessed loss on children
• Missed opportunities for early intervention
• Depression diagnosis at 21 and delayed treatment
• Finding the right antidepressant medication after years of trial
• What depression feels like: “the rain-soaked coat” metaphor
• The importance of educating families about youth mental health
• Why reducing stigma saves lives

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Introduction to Sally’s story and why youth mental health matters
01:26 – Is it surly teen behavior — or depression?
02:50 – Excessive sleeping and feeling “different” as a teen
03:58 – Grief after her grandmother’s death and emotional shutdown
04:44 – Dark poetry and early suicidal thoughts
05:41 – Teacher warning signs — and missed intervention
07:06 – The letter written at age 10: loneliness and sadness
08:03 – How childhood depression steals joy
09:14 – Adult diagnosis and unexpected antidepressant breakthrough
10:38 – The mistake of stopping medication too soon
12:10 – Building a successful career while managing depression
13:06 – What depression feels like: the “rain-soaked coat”
14:13 – Why today’s children have more access to help
14:58 – What parents should look for beyond scraped knees
15:16 – Youth suicide prevention and early intervention
16:33 – Reducing stigma: calling therapists “feeling doctors”
17:45 – Closing reflections and hope

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/